I've sent off a couple of copies to the US Library of Congress for deposit there. But as you say there is more clarification needed on the whole matter. From the email that I recieved from (Legal-Deposit-Books@bl.uk), I inferred that a deposit with the UK wasn't necessary. But, having seen what you've written it might be a wise idea to submit to the UK anyway, just to be on the safe side.

Not totally sure about the .pdfs. I think, if I remember correctly, that if your book is to be distributed electronically (or *also* electronically) that you would be required to submit a .pdf version but it wouldn't be acceptable if your book is only being distributed in traditional print - they would need a traditional print copy.

Excuse my ignorance why do you need to submit six copies of your book? Wouldn't one be sufficient? Or do you have six different books?

I’ve read many differing advice on this subject but have to say for the small time author the “legal” requirements seem disproportionate and there’s a bit of hype about the subject. As I’m not a lawyer you should consult one for advice. However research suggests ….

This is relevant to anyone publishing in the UK or distributing to the UK, in print.

I’ve seen information, various sources indicating that a copy of each book MUST sent to the six legal repositories in the UK, being:

Bodleian Library, Oxford

University Library, Cambridge

National Library of Scotland

Library of Trinity College, Dublin

National Library of Wales

This appears to be incorrect.

Five of the libraries are now handled by the Agency for Legal Deposit.

“These five libraries have the right to request materials from publishers in terms of legal deposit legislation.

The British Library is also a legal deposit library, but has an automatic right to receive legal deposit materials.”

Note these five libraries have to right to request free copies but it doesn’t mean they will exercise that right.I’ve no idea if they consistently do for don’t request copies. I will wait to hear if they ask for a copy of mine.

The only proactive requirement is one is required to go to the British Library.

I’m also trying to find if it’s acceptable to send a digital copy. As although section 4 says:

“(2) The copy must be delivered within one month beginning with the day of publication.

(3) The copy is to be of the same quality as the best copies which, at the time of delivery, have been produced for publication in the United Kingdom.”

Section 2 says: “New and alternative editions

(1) This Act does not apply to a work which is substantially the same as one already published in the same medium in the United Kingdom.

(2) Where substantially the same work is published in the United Kingdom in more than one medium—

(a) section 1(1) applies only in relation to its publication in one of those media, and

(b) that medium is to be determined in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision as to circumstances in which works are or are not to be regarded for the purposes of this section as substantially the same.”

So ... if I publish digitally first and the print copy isn’t substantially different then I may not need to send a print copy … but this is governed by secretary of state regulations … which I trying to find out what the current regulation specifies.

I’ve also written to the British Library on the subject too. Awaiting a response.

If you don’t send, see also the enforcement in section 3 of the Act. It doesn’t seem too onerous.

If I have to send a copy I’d prefer to send a second or later edition once I’ve had more feedback from the readers.

The Legal Deposit Libraries have welcomed the Government’s response to the public consultation on the ‘draft regulations and guidance for non-print legal deposit’ and its commitment to deliver regulations for non-print content.

Agreements with publishers for depositing the published digital equivalent of printed works in place of depositing the printed version. This, in the long term, will enable the Legal Deposit Libraries and the publishing sector to reduce costs.

I'm not sure if this got shelved last year but have asked the British Library for more clarification.